Praia dos Três Castelos is Portimão’s second most popular beach, due to its location next to the famous Praia da Rocha. Many choose it over its more crowded neighbor when they see it from the clifftop viewpoint that separates the two. It’s not as big as Praia da Rocha, but is also characterized by large rock formations on the sand and in the water. It was a trio of these rocks that gave it its name (“Three Castles”).
You should never stay too close to these rocks or by the cliff behind it, due to the risk of rockfall. For shade, rent one of the umbrellas available in the summer, or bring your own.
You’ll find that as you walk west, the beach becomes less crowded. In fact, past a tall rock on the sand, this stretch of sand is considered another beach, called Praia do Amado.
The golden sand is clean and so is the water, as certified by the Blue Flag. The sea is usually calm, with very few waves, so it’s good for swimming, especially when the tide is low. This attracts families, most of them tourists staying at the hotels nearby. There’s lifeguard supervision in the bathing season.
The beach has a restaurant focusing on grilled fish and meat, but there are plenty of places to eat and drink in the vicinity, especially down Avenida Tomás Cabreira, by Praia da Rocha.
In addition to the aforementioned viewpoint, there’s a walkway above the cliff for views of the beach and the coast. If you continue walking west from here, you can reach a number of other beaches all the way to Alvor (see below).
Location: Portimão
Beach for: Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia dos Três Castelos
Praia dos Três Castelos is accessed via a stairway next to the viewpoint that separates it from Praia da Rocha. Praia da Rocha should be your reference point when looking for this beach. If you’re driving, you’ll find parking nearby. There’s a car park on Rua Dom Martinho Castelo Branco. If you’re in the center of Portimão, you may hop on bus 35 on weekdays or bus 1P on weekends, on Largo do Dique, and you’re at Praia dos Três Castelos in about 10 minutes. Walking here from central Portimão takes about 30 minutes.
Beaches by Praia dos Três Castelos
In addition to Praia da Rocha to the east, there’s the aforementioned Praia do Amado to the west. From here, it’s also possible to walk to Praia dos Careanos, Praia do Vau, Praia do Alemão and Praia de Boião. The walk all the way to Praia de Boião takes 25 minutes. From there, you can continue towards the pine-covered headland to the west, which hides the nude beaches of João de Arens and Submarino. When the tide is low, there’s direct access to Praia da Rocha, through an arch on the cliff.
Hotels by Praia dos Três Castelos
Club Amarilis
Located up the road from Praia dos Três Castelos, this condo hotel is a good value. It has spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with balconies, a restaurant, a large outdoor pool, and an indoor pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Club Amarilis
Hotel Luar
The interior of this hotel looks like it hasn’t changed since the 1990s, but it’s still a good budget option. The location right above the beach is convenient, with a staircase leading down to the sand just a few feet away. All of the rooms have balconies, and many of them offer a sea view. Best of all is the large outdoor pool, which is rare at a 3-star hotel.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Luar
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
If you prefer something a little more luxurious, stay at this 5-star hotel nearby, above Praia da Rocha. It's a large mansion with a beautifully-preserved early-20th-century interior mixing tile panels and stained glass. There are just 38 rooms, many of them with sea views. The rooftop restaurant is one of the best in Algarve, distinguished with a Michelin star. Other facilities include a spa and an outdoor swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
Villa Mariazinha Charming Hotel
This is the choice for couples. It’s a romantic villa with just ten elegant rooms, located by Praia da Rocha, and therefore also close to Praia dos Três Castelos.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Villa Mariazinha Charming Hotel